Eyewear protection cover

ABSTRACT

An eyewear protection apparatus includes: a first body shaped to cover a front surface of eyewear frames when attached to the eyewear; a second body shaped to cover a back surface of the eyewear frames; and a hinge mechanism pivotally connecting the first body and the second body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of, and claims priority to, application Ser. No. 16/344,142, filed on Apr. 23, 2019, which is a National Stage Entry of PCT/US2017/058194, filed on Oct. 25, 2017, which is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/412,443, entitled “Eyewear protection cover with one-step—one hand operation,” filed on Oct. 25, 2016, and now expired; all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of mechanical apparatus and, more specifically, to mechanical apparatus for the protection of eyewear.

BACKGROUND

Eyewear is an expensive investment. The advent of new lens materials and coatings has made the protection of the glass even more important. All too often, however, the solution in the current state of the art is to place the eyewear into a case. This certainly works to protect the eyewear, but adds bulk and weight. The best protection is one that is actually used, so a bulky case that is left aside is not doing its job of protecting the eyewear. Other protective methods involve sleeves or bags. While addressing the issue of bulk, these do little to protect against impact.

Furthermore, protective cases, sleeves, and other solutions currently found in the art typically require the use of two hands: one hand for the case, the other hand for the eyewear. For busy people on the go, having two hands free is not always an option. In summary, the current state of the art presents eyewear protection solutions that are bulky, too big to carry in pant pockets or small purses, and require two hands to place and withdraw the eyewear.

SUMMARY

Briefly, according to an embodiment, an eyewear protection apparatus includes: a first body shaped to cover a front surface of eyewear lenses when attached to the eyewear; a second body shaped to cover a back surface of the eyewear lenses; and a hinge mechanism pivotally coupling the first body and the second body.

According to another embodiment, an eyewear protection apparatus further includes right and left lateral lens guards in each of the first body and the second body; and a hinge mechanism pivotally coupling the first body to the second body. The hinge mechanism includes an attachment device attaching the hinge mechanism to the first body and the second body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a back view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an eyewear protection apparatus with lens pads;

FIG. 8 is an isometric side view of an eyewear protection apparatus with lens pads;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an eyewear protection apparatus with lens pads;

FIG. 10 is an isometric front view of an eyewear protection apparatus in a closed position;

FIG. 11 is an isometric front view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 10 in an open position;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a back view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 10 showing the lens pads;

FIG. 17 is a front isometric view of the front portion of a hinge mechanism;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the front portion of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 19 is a back view of the front half of the hinge mechanism showing the attachment means;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the front portion of the hinge mechanism showing the cooperating pivot arms;

FIG. 21 is a face-down view of the hinge mechanism showing the cooperating pivot arms;

FIG. 22 is a face-up front view of the back portion of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 23 is an isometric front view of a lens guard showing a hinge attachment bar;

FIG. 24 is a front view of a lens guard showing the hinge attachment bar;

FIG. 25 is a back view of the lens guard;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a lens guard;

FIG. 27 is a bottom side view of a lens guard;

FIG. 28 is an isometric front view of a lens guard;

FIG. 29 is a front view of a lens guard;

FIG. 30 is a back view of a lens guard;

FIG. 31 is a side view of a lens guard;

FIG. 32 is a face-up side view of a lens guard;

FIG. 33 is an isometric front view of a lens pad;

FIG. 34 is a front view of a lens pad;

FIG. 35 is a back view of a lens pad;

FIG. 36 is a side view of a lens pad;

FIG. 37 is a face-up view of a lens pad;

FIG. 38 is a face-down view of a lens pad;

FIG. 39 is an isometric view showing a lens pad with interlocking edges;

FIG. 40 is a front view of a lens pad;

FIG. 41 is a back view of a lens pad;

FIG. 42 is an oblique side view of a lens pad showing an interlocking edge;

FIG. 43 is a face-down view of a lens pad;

FIG. 44 is an isometric front view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 45 is a front view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 46 is an isometric front view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 47 is an eyewear protection apparatus receiving eyewear;

FIG. 48 is an isometric view of the eyewear protection apparatus in a closed position;

FIG. 49 is a side view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a lens guard;

FIG. 51A is a bottom view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 51B is a bottom view of an eyewear protection apparatus;

FIG. 52A is a front view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 51A;

FIG. 52B is a front view of the eyewear protection apparatus of FIG. 51B;

FIG. 53 is an exploded view of a ball and joint attachment means;

FIG. 54 is an isometric front view of an eyewear protection apparatus with a spring-loaded hinge mechanism;

FIG. 55 is a front view of an eyewear protection apparatus with a magnetic locking system;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of an eyewear protection apparatus with a magnetic locking system;

FIG. 57 is an isometric top view of an eyewear protection apparatus with a ball-jointed elastic cord attachment mechanism;

FIG. 58 is an isometric side view of an eyewear protection apparatus in a folded position;

FIG. 59 is an eyewear protection apparatus with a clip attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While certain aspects of conventional technologies and methods in the relevant art have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicant in no way disclaims these technical aspects or methods, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects or methods discussed herein.

In the description below and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It should be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

In view of the foregoing, embodiments of the invention are directed toward an eyewear protection apparatus. The apparatus includes a front cover portion (first body) and a back cover portion (second body). The front cover portion and the back cover portion are pivotally attached at a common point. The front and back covers are configured to substantially cover the lenses of the eyewear while not obstructing the legs of the eyewear frame. In some embodiments, the front cover portion spans a wider area than the back cover portion. As an example, assume a pair of sunglasses measure 12 centimeters from hinge to hinge. In certain embodiments, using the sunglasses example, the front cover portion is approximately the same width (12 cm), whereas the back cover portion is approximately 10-11 centimeters to allow for a proper fit.

The eyewear protection apparatus, as described, is slim, light, customizable and easy to store. Furthermore, it is easily operated with one hand. Still further, the protective cover can be placed on or removed from the eyewear in one step, with one hand.

FIGS. 1-9 Single Lens Guard Embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an eyewear protection apparatus 100, according to one embodiment. The eyewear protection apparatus 100 can be constructed in different sizes and shapes to fit different types, shapes, and sizes of eyewear. The eyewear protection apparatus 100 includes a first body 120, or front cover portion, and a second body 140, or back cover portion, that can be machined, formed, or molded to match or substantially match, the shape of the eyewear to be covered, including the bridge and lenses of the eyewear. The material can be selected from durable, lightweight materials such as plastics, polycarbonates, or even woods and/or metals, to name a few. This first body and 120 and second body 140 components provide the impact protection to the surfaces of the eyewear lenses (not shown).

The first body 120 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces away from the lenses (not shown). The inner surface (not shown) faces towards the lenses. The eyewear protection apparatus 100 can further include a detachable cushion, pad 170, or other non-abrasive material that serves to absorb the energy of impact and protect the lenses. Additional embodiments of the eyewear protection apparatus 100 also contemplate the use of non-abrasive materials, such as microfiber, for the surfaces that may come into contact with the actual lenses.

The first body 120 is the portion that protects the front surface of the eyewear lenses. The second body 140 protects the back surface of the eyewear lenses. FIG. 2 is an isometric front view of the second body 140 of the eyewear protection apparatus 100, according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the first body 120 of the eyewear protection apparatus 100, while FIG. 4 is a back view of the second body 140 of the eyewear protection apparatus 100.

The second body 140 is structurally similar to the first body 120 but configured to cover the back surface of the eyewear lenses and it is generally smaller to allow ease of insertion of the eyewear and for accommodating nose pads and hinges. The non-limiting example depicted in FIG. 4 shows second body 140 having a smaller form factor than the first body 120. The second body 140 is also configured to have at least one hinge attach location operatively communicative with the first body's 120 at least one hinge attach location.

Pivotally coupling the first body 120 with the second body 140 is a hinge mechanism 150. The hinge mechanism 150 includes a housing with two hinge body members 158 a and 158 b that each end in grip portions 152 a and 152 b, respectively. Hinge body member 158 a attaches to first body 120 and hinge body member 158 b attaches to second body 140. The hinge mechanism 150 joins the two bodies with at least one hinge disposed in at least one hinge attach point. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the hinge body members 158 a and 158 b are integral with the first body 120 and second body 140, respectively. In other embodiments, the hinge body members 158 a and 158 b can be separate components that are mechanically coupled with the first body 120 and second body 140, respectively.

The grip portions 152 a and 152 b are configured such that by pressing or “pinching” the two grip portions 152 a and 152 b together, the first body 120 and the second body 140 pivot at the hinge attach point and open or separate from each other. The result is that, by pressing the grip portions 152 a and 152 b together, a user may separate the first and second bodies in order to place eyewear between the first and second bodies. Releasing the pinched grip portions 152 a and 152 b results in the first and second bodies coming back together, encasing the eyewear lenses and protecting them from scratches or impact. To provide additional protection, optional detachable lens cushions, or pads 170 can be affixed to the inside surfaces of first body 120 and second body 140.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the eyewear protection apparatus 100 showing a hinge attach location 154. In one embodiment, a biasing element 158 such as a torsion spring, spring clip, or other biasing means, applies a force to the first body 120 and second body 140, biasing the two components together in a closed state. Note that in this embodiment, the hinge mechanism 150 is disposed at the top of the eyewear protection apparatus 100; however other embodiments can feature the hinge mechanism 150 at the bottom of the eyewear protection apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the eyewear protection apparatus 100.

FIG. 7 is an isometric side view of the eyewear protection apparatus 100, in one exemplary embodiment. The hinge attach location 154 with the torsion spring 158 is shown from the side. The first body 120 and second body 140 are pivotally coupled with each other at one or more hinge attach locations via the hinge mechanism 150. The hinge mechanism 150 can be chosen from various known hinge mechanisms such as continuous “piano” type hinge, omega hinge, spring-loaded hinge, pin-and-knuckle hinge, or “living hinge,” to name a few. A more detailed description of hinges is omitted so as not to obscure the embodiments.

The eyewear protection apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 7 includes optional lens cushions or pads 710 on the inside surfaces of the first body 120 and the second body 140. The pads 710 are configured to be detachable or replaceable. Yet further embodiments may include lens pads 710 with a concave surface facing the lens, or others with a perimeter lip or raised edge so as to reduce or eliminate the amount of cushion surface area that is in contact with the eyewear. FIG. 8 shows another example of eyewear protection apparatus 100 with lens cushions 710 forming a soft barrier between the lenses of the eyewear 810 and the eyewear protection apparatus 100.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the eyewear protection apparatus 100 with optional lens cushions 710. FIG. 9 also shows an optional perimeter raised edge or lip 930 to receive and contain the lens cushions 710. The exploded view provides a view of a torsion-spring hinge 158 in one hinge attach location 154.

FIGS. 10-59—Dual Lens Guard Embodiments.

FIG. 10 is an isometric front view of an eyewear protection apparatus 1000, according to another embodiment. The eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 has a first body formed of two separate curved lens guards 1020 and 1022; and a second body formed of two separate lens guards 1040 and 1042. Lens guards 1020, 1022, 1040, and 1042 have an inside surface and an outside surface. The lens guards 1020 and 1022 depicted in FIG. 10 feature an oblong shape; however one with knowledge in the art will appreciate that a square, round, oval, or other shape can be advantageously used within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In FIG. 10, the hinge mechanism 1050 is joined at the bottom of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000. Extending from the bottom of the hinge mechanism are wings 1055 that serve as attachment means coupling the hinge mechanism 1050 with the lens guards 1020 and 1022. FIG. 11 shows an oblique view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 in the open position. Optional lens pads 1130 are shown. Lens pads 1130 feature raised edges. The raised edges 1132 are pliable and configured to interlock with raised edges 1134 when the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 is closed. FIG. 12 is a front view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10, showing the front half 1052 of the hinge mechanism 1050. FIG. 13 is a back view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10, showing the back half 1054 of the hinge mechanism 1050.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 in the closed position. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10. FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10. The front set of lens guards 1130 are depicted with tangential lines to show curvature. The lens guards 1020 and 1022 show the attachment means by which they are coupled with the hinge mechanism 1050. In this exemplary embodiment, the attachment is a cylinder 1620.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the front half 1052 of the hinge mechanism 1050. Optional bars 1760 are disposed on the front half 1052 of the hinge mechanism 1050 for interlinking with a docking component that can be located in, for example, a car visor. FIG. 18 is a front view of the front half of the hinge mechanism 1050 showing the apertures 1822 that receive the cylinder 1620. FIG. 19 is a back view of the hinge mechanism 1050, showing the apertures 1822 that interlock with the cylinder 1620, thus attaching the hinge mechanism 1050 to the body of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the hinge mechanism 1050 showing cooperating pivot arms 2020. FIG. 21 is a face-down view showing the cooperating pivot arms 2020. Each half of the hinge mechanism 1050 has cooperating pivot arms 2020 and corresponding pin holes in the pivot arms 2020 through which the spring mechanism is disposed. The pivot arms 2020 in the front and back hinge mechanisms 1052 and 1054 are substantially the same except the pivot arms 2020 in one are spaced further apart to accommodate the pivot arms 2020 in the other half. FIG. 22 is a face-up view of the hinge mechanism 1050.

FIGS. 23-25 show different views of lens guard 1020. FIG. 23 is a front isometric view that shows the attachment bar 2320 attaching the lens guard 1020 to the hinge mechanism 1050. FIG. 24 is a front view of lens guard 1020, while FIG. 25 is a back view of lens guard 1020. FIGS. 26-31 show different views of lens guard 1022. FIG. 26 is a side view of lens guard 1022. FIG. 27 is a top view of lens guard 1022 and FIG. 28 is an isometric front view of lens guard 1022. FIG. 29 is a front view of lens guard 1022. FIG. 30 is a back view of lens guard 1022 and FIG. 31 is a side view of lens guard 1022. FIG. 32 is a face-up side view of lens guard 1022.

FIG. 33 is an isometric front view of lens pads 1130 showing interlocking edge 1132 and FIG. 34 is a front view of lens pad 1130. FIG. 35 is a back view of lens pad 1130 while FIG. 36 is a side view. FIG. 37 is a face-down view of lens pad 1130. FIG. 38 is a face-up view of lens pad 1130. FIG. 39 is an isometric view showing the lens pad 1130 fitted with interlocking edge 1134 configured to receive interlocking edge 1132. Tangential lines show the curvature of the lens pad 1130. FIG. 40 is a front view of lens pad 1130 with interlocking edge 1132 while FIG. 41 is a back view of lens pad 1130. FIG. 42 is an oblique side view of a lens pad 1130 showing interlocking edge 1134. FIG. 43 is a face-down view of lens pad 1130.

FIG. 44 is an isometric front view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 showing an aperture 4420 in the hinge mechanism 1050. This aperture is useful for attaching the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 to clips, lanyards, and the like. FIG. 44 also shows a rounded hinge attachment 4455 rather than the cylindrical attachment shown in previous figures. FIG. 45 is a front view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000.

FIG. 46 shows an isometric front view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 in the open position receiving eyewear 810. Although the eyewear 810 is shown in the fully open state, the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 is designed with a purposefully slim build so that eyewear 810 can be inserted while folded. FIG. 47 shows the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 with the eyewear 810 received. FIG. 48 shows an isometric view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 in the closed position with the eyewear 810 encased and protected. FIG. 49 shows a side view of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 with the eyewear legs folded.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a lens guard 1020 showing the connection 5040 formed by interlocking edges 1132 and 1134. The outer layer 5020 of the lens guard encases the lens pads 1130.

FIG. 51A and FIG. 51B show bottom views of the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 using a ball and joint attachment mechanism 5110 to secure the hinge mechanism 1050 to the lens guards 1020 and 1022 and 1040 and 1042. The ball and joint attachment mechanism 5510 allows rotation along the x, y, and z axes, thus allowing adjustment of the lens guards in several directions to conform to different lens shapes. In another embodiment, FIG. 51A shows the lens guards positioned to fit substantially straight lenses, while FIG. 51B shows that the lens guards are rotated to better fit curved lenses. FIGS. 52A and 52B show the front views of FIGS. 51A and 51B, respectively.

FIG. 53 is an exploded view of the ball and joint attachment means. One with knowledge in the art will appreciate that a cylinder can be used instead of a ball with just a small loss in rotational ability.

FIG. 54 shows a spring-loaded hinge mechanism 5450.

Referring to FIG. 55, further embodiments can include latching mechanisms such as magnetic or mechanical latching mechanisms in order to sustain the eyewear protection apparatus 5500 in a closed state. The eyewear protection apparatus 5500 of FIG. 55 includes a magnetic latching system 5580 to keep the eyewear protection apparatus 5500 closed. FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the eyewear protection apparatus 5500 using a magnetic latching system 5580 incorporating magnets 5585. Eyewear protection apparatus 5500 is shown with removable cloth lens pads 5670 and a clamshell-type hinge mechanism 5650 in the form of a living hinge that allows the two halves to flex back and forth on a pivot point. The water-proof housing 5690 for the eyewear protection apparatus 5500 can be made from a flexible material such as rubber or silicone.

FIG. 57 shows a ball-jointed elastic cord attachment mechanism 5770 joining the lens guards 1020 and 1022. The ball-jointed elastic cord attachment mechanism 5770 is flexible and allows for full rotation of the lens guards 1020 and 1022. FIG. 58 shows the eyewear protection apparatus 5500 folded into a compact form factor. FIG. 59 shows an embodiment with a clip attached to the hinge mechanism 1050. Other attachment means as are known in the art can be used to enable a user to attach the eyewear protection apparatus 1000 to other structures inter alia car visors, belts, or golf bags.

Further embodiments of the present invention may include other features or structures. In particular, features from one embodiment can be used with another embodiment. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. 

I claim:
 1. An eyewear protection apparatus comprising: a first body protecting a front surface of eyewear lenses, the first body comprising: a right front lens guard with a first hinge attach location; a left front lens guard with a second hinge attach location, the left front lens guard in axial alignment with the right front lens guard; wherein the right front lens guard and the left front lens guards are shaped to substantially match a shape and size of the eyewear lenses to be protected; a second body protecting a back surface of the eyewear lenses, the second body pivotally coupled with the first body on a pivotal axis, the second body comprising: a right back lens guard with a third hinge attach location; a left back lens guard with a fourth hinge attach location, the left back lens guard in axial alignment with the right back lens guard; wherein the right back lens guard and the left back lens guards are of a smaller size than the right front lens guard and the left front lens guard, respectively; and a hinge mechanism comprising: a front portion with an attachment device attaching the hinge mechanism to the first body via the first and second hinge attach locations; a front protruding grip; a back portion with an attachment device attaching the hinge mechanism to the second body via the third and fourth hinge attach locations; a back protruding grip; and a hinge pivotally coupling the front portion and the back portion.
 2. The eyewear protection apparatus of claim 1 further comprising detachable lens pads shaped to substantially match the eyewear lenses.
 3. The eyewear protection apparatus of claim 2 wherein the detachable lens pads are shaped with a concave form on a surface facing the eyewear lenses.
 4. The eyewear protection apparatus of claim 2 wherein the detachable lens pads are shaped with a raised edge such that only the raised edge makes contact with the eyewear when the eyewear protection apparatus is attached to the eyewear.
 5. The eyewear protection apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment device is one of a ball and joint mechanism and a cylinder, allowing rotation of the first and second bodies.
 6. The eyewear protection apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hinge mechanism further comprises a mechanical biasing element applying a force to the first body and the second body, maintaining the eyewear protection apparatus in a closed state until counterforce is applied.
 7. The eyewear protection apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a latching mechanism to sustain a closed state when attached to the eyewear, the latching mechanism comprising at least one of: a magnetic latch and a mechanical latch. 